Admissions FAQs
For admissions questions, visit the Graduate College. For general
information on graduate studies at the University of Illinois, see the
Graduate College Handbook and Policies. For program specific information,
please contact the Graduate Office (217-333-1083).
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can I apply in the Fall, and start in the Spring?
Answer: Kinesiology yes, the deadline for application for the spring semester is November 1;
Community Health no, currently does not accept Fall applications.
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Question: I am an international applicant, and English is not my primary language. Do I need to take the TOEFL?
Is there a minimum score for admissions?
Answer: If your native language is not English, you must submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
If your native language is not English and you are applying for
a graduate assistantship, you must also submit a TSE (Test of Spoken
English) score. The TOEFL and TSE tests can usually be taken at
the same time. The tests must have been completed within the last
two years.
Please request that the scores be sent to International Admissions,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 901 West Illinois, Urbana,
IL 61801.
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Question: What factors do you consider when reviewing a graduate application?
Answer: The graduate admissions committee carefully reviews all prior
academic work, standardized test performance, writing ability, and
letters of reference. They are charged with identifying students
with the aptitude, interests, and skills required for success in
the graduate program. Preference will be given to applicants who
are strong in all areas, but exceptional strength in one area may
compensate for relative weakness in another.
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Question: Are there minimum GPA requirements for admission?
Answer: The Graduate College at the University of Illinois requires
a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on the last 60 semester hours
of undergraduate coursework. In addition, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is
required for any postgraduate studies. In exceptional situations,
the department may appeal to the Graduate College for conditional
acceptance on probationary status. However, the applicant must provide
a compelling rationale that prior academic performance is not a
good predictor of present ability to succeed in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health.
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Question: Is the GRE required for all applicants?
Answer: Yes, all students must take the GRE general test, and arrange
to have the results sent to the department by the application deadline
date. The Institution Code for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
is 1836 and the Department Code is 0616 (listed as "Public
Health" in the GRE booklet).
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Question: I requested letters of reference from
people who are in a good position to evaluate my academic ability,
but they are also very busy. How can I make sure they write the
letters and mail them in by the deadline?
Answer: It is wise to request letters of reference well before the application
deadline, and follow up with an e-mail, letter, or phone call reminding
the referee of the deadline (or, if they have completed the letter,
thanking them for their efforts). As noted earlier, it is usually
helpful to give each referee a copy of your personal statement and/or
a resume. You may contact the Graduate Program Office to check
on the status of the application, but it is your responsibility
to insure the letters arrive in time.
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Question: I sent in my application several weeks ago, but haven't received a confirmation. How can I tell if
my application is complete?
Answer: We realize the wait can be difficult, but be assured that we
are moving through the review process as quickly as possible. We
will inform you of the admissions decision when it is approved by
the faculty.
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Question: The program literature states "there
are a limited number of graduate assistantships available on a competitive
basis." How much do these assistantships pay? How much competition
is there?
Answer: Full-time graduate students at the Urbana campus may be employed
as teaching or research assistants, at 25%, 33%, or 50%, for the
nine-month academic year. Appointments are for one year but can
be applied for in subsequent years. Assistantships held for the
academic year carry stipends of approximately $9,500 for a 50% appointment
and $4,750 for a 25% appointment; and include a waiver of tuition
and some fees.
Most students accepted into the graduate program are offered a
teaching or research assistantship. If you wish to apply for an
assistantship, please complete the section pertaining to financial
aid in the application for admission. However, note that appointing
assistants occurs after the student has been admitted, which is
why we typically do not guarantee an assistantship when we offer
admission.
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Question: What kinds of assistantships are available?
Answer: The Department of Kinesiology and Community Health annually provide a limited number of teaching and
research assistantships. These assistantships serve as a valuable source of experience in research and teaching
and, thus, graduate students should endeavor to obtain both kinds of appointments during their period of study.
Assistantships which are for more than 25% include tuition and fee waivers and a minimum stipend of approximately.
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Question: Is financial aid other than assistantships available?
Answer: A variety of financial aid sources are available for graduate
study at the University of Illinois. For more information, see the
financial aid office (link to http://www.osfa.uiuc.edu/).
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Question: How much time do I have to complete my degree?
Answer: The Graduate College requires that master's degrees be completed
within five years of first registering in the Graduate College,
and requires that candidates for doctoral degrees complete their
programs within seven years.
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Question: How much of my coursework do I have to complete at the University of Illinois?
Answer: One half or more of the courses applied towards a master's degree
must be earned in courses meeting on the University of Illinois
campuses (Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, or Springfield), or in courses
meeting in other locations approved by the Graduate College.
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